Volumetric Analysis in Autologous Fat Grafting to the Foot

The study goal is to utilize MRI to further understand changes that are occurring in the foot when autologous fat is used to treat plantar fat pad atrophy of the foot. The etiology of fat pad atrophy may be age-related, due to abnormal foot mechanics, obesity, steroid use, or collagen vascular disease. Displacement or atrophy of the fat pad can lead to osseous prominences in the foot that may be seen with painful skin lesions. Disease states, such as diabetes, may have loss of soft tissue integrity. Fat pad atrophy may result in significant pain or compensatory gait leading to callous formation or ulceration. In sensate patients, the pain can lead to emotional and physical pain, leading to productivity and financial losses.

Fat grafting to the feet is as a cosmetic surgery option. Although fat grafting is used often in standard care plastic surgery, for cosmetic reasons, it is considered part of the research in this trial. What happens to the fat after injection has not been well studied. Approximately 50 adults who experience pain from fat pad atrophy, either of the fore foot or heel will have fat pad grafting. The study will utilize MRI before and at 6 months post-procedure to assess changes in the quality of the bone of the foot as well as the 3D morphology of the fat. Specifically, the investigators want to know how the fat redistributes around the bone. In addition, the Adipose Stem Cell Biology Laboratory will assess the stem cell characteristics of the fat used for autotransplantation. This study will help build new collaborative efforts between Foot and Ankle Specialists, Stem Cell Biologists, and Plastic Surgeons, combining expertise in foot biomechanics with reconstructive fat grafting.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18 years or older, basically healthy and able to provide informed consent.
• Patients with forefoot or rearfoot pain overlying the bone with fat pad atrophy.
• At least 6 months post any surgical intervention to the foot.
• Willing and able to comply with follow up examinations, including ultrasounds, MRI, and pedobarographic studies.
• Diabetics: Type I and II with a HgA1C < or = 7.
• Have tried and failed at least one form of conservative management (i.e. orthotics, padding, etc.).

Exclusion criteria

• Age less than 18 years.
• Inability to provide informed consent
• Feet with open ulcerations or osteomyelitis.
• Diabetics: Type I and II iwth a HgAIC > 7.
• Active infection anywhere in the body.
• Diagnosed with cancer within the last 12 months and /or presently receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
• Known coagulopathy.
• Systemic disease that would render the fat harvest and injection procedure, along with associated anesthesia, unsafe to the patient.
• Pregnancy.
• Subjects with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder due to the inability to comply with study instructions, due in part to comorbidities (Subjects who are found to be stable on medication and receive psychiatric clearance could be eligible for study participation per the Physician's discretion).
• Tobacco use: Last use within 1 year per patient report.
• Patients with heart pacemakers, aneurysm clips, ear implants, IUD, shrapnel or metallic fragments in or on the body or eyes, neuro-stimulators, or other metal devices.